Let’s just say that there are a lot of opinions about tacos. What’s best in them. What is and isn’t authentic. While I love the tacos mentioned too, my childhood heart wants at least one that qualifies as Tex-Mex. That seems to be in the shortest supply. In our highly unscientific social media poll, we asked where you quench your taco thirst. Here are the answers in order of enthusiasm:
1. Tacos ’76
838 Madison St., Oak Park
Kristine M. said “I am a Texas transplant and Tacos 76 is good. Their beans are excellent and their enchiladas suizas are my favorite.” Melisa A. caveated that nothing locally matches Mexico City’s tacos, but at Taco ’76, she said, “I love their pickled vegetables.”
2. Hecho en Oak Park
1053 Lake St. Oak Park
Hecho was mentioned a lot, but not a lot of details from people who raised their hands on what tops their tortilla there. For Samina H. it’s their authentic masa tortillas. For Mariannell B. it’s the vegetarian options and “the margaritas are fab!”
3. Gudino’s
6629 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn
Steak tacos got a shout out from Lori D. but it’s there chile relleno taco that is her go-to, “They make it with rice, lettuce and tomato and the combination of flavors is awesome – crispy and crunchy, while also smooth and creamy.” Alex R.’s favorites there are barbacoa, pollo, al pastor and carnitas.
4. Tacos Azteca
9200 Ogden Ave., Brookfield
5. Hacienda Memos
6822 W. North Ave., Chicago
6. Zacatacos
6212 Cermak Road & 3837 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn
7. Taco Mucho
220 Harrison St., Oak Park
Teresa S. said, “Nothing beats Taco Mucho’s blackened fish taco.”
8. NRebozo
7403 Madison St., Forest Park
“I love nopales at NRebozo. They’re hard to find in most taco places. Chef Paco always has the best everything!” said Joy H.
Honorable Mentions
In alphabetical order:
• Amerikas, 734 Lake St., Oak Park
• Boss Burrito, 1110 Westgate St., Oak Park
• Cactus Grill, 315 S Harlem Ave., Forest Park
• El Duranguito, 402 Lake St., Maywood
• Hoja Santa, 722 Lake St., Oak Park
• Margaritas, 804 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park
• Maria’s Mexican Restaurant, 1905 N. Harlem Ave., Chicago
• El Nuevo Vallarta Sports Bar & Grill, 6801 Cermak Road, Berwyn
• Peeple’s Tacos, 5944 W Chicago Ave., Chicago
• Taco Pros, 2 Chicago Avenue & 6427 W. North Ave., Oak Park
• Tacabron, 7330 Harrison St., Forest Park
• Tacos 2 Go, 7530 W Grand Ave., Elmwood Park
• Taqueria El Grande, 9132 31st St., Brookfield